IGAD Kicks Off Meeting in Mombasa to Strengthen Statistics for Peace and Development

This meeting, held to take stock of the first five years of the RSDS—the region’s inaugural statistical master plan—aims to reinforce the foundation of credible, harmonized, and timely data across the IGAD member states.

The RSDS is a cornerstone initiative designed to bridge data gaps, enhance evidence-based decision-making, and propel peace, prosperity, and regional integration. By establishing a robust statistical framework, IGAD is empowering its members with the necessary tools to address complex regional challenges with data-driven solutions.

Day one of the meeting saw a strong show of commitment from national and regional leaders in the field of statistics. Dr. MacDonald Obudho, Director-General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, lauded IGAD for its foresight in establishing the RSDS Coordinators’ Working Group. He highlighted the meeting’s importance, describing it as “an opportunity for peer learning, harmonisation, and alignment,” underscoring the collaborative spirit essential for the strategy’s success.

The IGAD RSDS Coordinators’ Working Group gathers in Mombasa, uniting statistical experts from across the region to drive peace, prosperity, and integration through a foundation of timely and harmonized data.

Mr. Charles Ogolla, Head of the IGAD Statistics Unit, speaking on behalf of the Director, Dr. Anthony Awira, delivered a powerful message on the necessity of this initiative. “The challenges facing our region demand decisions rooted in credible and timely data,” Mr. Ogolla stated. “We cannot afford data gaps or fragmented systems.” His remarks emphasized the urgency and critical nature of a unified and reliable data ecosystem for effective regional governance and development.

Mr. Charles Ogolla, Head of the IGAD Statistics Unit, emphasizes the urgency of using credible data to tackle regional challenges during the coordinators’ meeting in Mombasa.

This meeting serves as a crucial platform for national coordinators to share insights, review progress, and strategize for the future of the RSDS. The discussions over the next two days will focus on fine-tuning the statistical master plan to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of the IGAD region, fostering a future built on sound data and informed policy.

About IGAD: The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is an eight-country trade bloc in Africa, dedicated to promoting regional cooperation and integration in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region

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